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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 24 August, 2026
Tinubu To Lead Africa’s Push Against Raw Mineral Exports At New York Summit
President Bola Tinubu will chair a high-level summit on critical minerals in New York next month, part of a fresh continental push to stop Africa’s mineral wealth from leaving the continent largely unprocessed. The meeting, convened by the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, is scheduled for September 21, 2026, and will hold in Manhattan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The summit is expected to bring together African leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for retaining more value from the continent’s mineral resources rather than exporting them as raw materials for processing elsewhere.
Nollywood Actor Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan Dies After Cancer Battle
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at 66 after a battle with cancer. His death was disclosed in a social media post by Regina Chukwu, while his daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed the news during a live session online. Hassan entertained Nigerians for over two decades, becoming one of the enduring faces of Yoruba cinema through memorable roles as warriors, fathers and chiefs. His daughters, Lima and Kira, had recently made emotional appeals about their father’s declining health on social media before his passing was announced.
Troops Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Arrest Two Others In Benue
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have killed a suspected kidnapper and arrested two others during separate operations across Benue State. The Acting Media Information Officer for OPWS, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday. The operations form part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state, which has witnessed a spate of abductions in recent months. Further details on the identities of those killed and arrested were not immediately provided.
Family Appeals For Release Of Woman Abducted By Gunmen In Ogun
The family of Olayinka Oremade, abducted by gunmen in the Alapako/Oyebola area of Ogun State, has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and the government to intensify efforts to secure her release. She was reportedly kidnapped alongside one of her staff members on Friday, August 14, after gunmen attacked their vehicle as they returned from a farm in the area. The family described the ordeal as traumatic and called for urgent intervention from security agencies to ensure her safe return, as anxiety grows over her continued disappearance.
APC Sweeps All 13 Chairmanship Seats In Ebonyi LG Election
The All Progressives Congress has won all 13 chairmanship and 171 councillorship seats contested in the Ebonyi State local government election. The results were announced by the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, Patrick Enyi, at the commission’s office in Abakaliki. Notable winners include Osborn Umahi, son of Works Minister David Umahi, who emerged chairman-elect of Ohaozara. Other winners include Peace Agwu in Ishielu, Chidi Nwode in Ikwo and Timothy Nwachi in Afikpo. Enyi described the poll as peaceful and free, noting that candidates from other parties also participated.
Six Suspected Secessionists Killed In Anambra Security Raid
A joint security team in Anambra State has raided suspected secessionist hideouts in Ogbaru Local Government Area, killing six suspected members during a prolonged gun battle. One security operative was also killed in the operation, while another was injured after an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated. The raid forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle armed groups operating in the region and restore order to affected communities.
Sheikh Jingir Denies Claims He Dislikes Christians
The Chairman of Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has denied claims that he does not like Christians, describing the reports as mere allegations. He said his remarks at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples were not intended to express dislike for Christians or non-Muslims. The cleric’s comments had sparked reactions online, prompting him to issue a clarification distancing himself from accusations of religious bias.
Man Behind Phantom “Made In Nigeria” Office Releases Fake Appointment Letter
The coordinator of the phantom National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, has released an appointment letter purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Nwabueze shared the document, which carries the OSGF letterhead, on his LinkedIn page on Saturday. The authenticity of the letter and the office itself remain unverified, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claimed appointment.
Seven Killed In Niger State Road Crash
Seven travellers have died in a fatal crash on the Bida-Kutigi road in Niger State. Corps Commander Aishatu Sa’adu of the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday. Sa’adu said the crash occurred on Sunday afternoon at Shebe village, a few kilometres from Kutigi town. Details on the cause of the crash and the number of vehicles involved were not immediately disclosed.
Abia APC Grants Pardon To Erring Members Ahead Of 2027
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has granted unconditional pardon to erring members ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the party vowed to maintain zero tolerance for future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and anti-party activities. The gesture is seen as part of efforts to unite the party’s ranks and strengthen its chances ahead of the polls.
2027: Atiku, Obi Camps Reject Single-Candidate Plan
The camps of ADC’s Atiku Abubakar and NDC’s Peter Obi have rejected a proposal by the G-100 pressure group for opposition parties to rally behind a single presidential candidate in 2027. The group has pushed for a unified opposition candidate to challenge President Tinubu and prevent a split vote. Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, said the former vice-president was no longer interested in prolonged talks on a consensus arrangement, adding that Atiku had presented his policies and would let voters decide. Neither camp is currently willing to step down its ambition.
Poverty Has Worsened Under Tinubu Over Unchecked Borrowing — Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Tinubu administration of unchecked borrowing that has deepened poverty in Nigeria. In a statement by his media office, he called on Nigerians to demand accountability over the country’s rising debt profile, warning that unchecked borrowing risks trapping future generations in unsustainable debt. He criticised the government’s handling of a $5 billion facility from First Abu Dhabi Bank, insisting taxpayers deserve full disclosure on its use, after Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said details would not be disclosed.
ISWAP Leadership Crisis Deepens As Senior Member Executed
Internal tension is growing within ISWAP’s leadership in the Lake Chad area following a series of disciplinary actions attributed to its Wali, Baa Shuwa. Sources told Zagazola Makama that Baa Shuwa ordered the execution of senior member Yaa Saleh, a Shura Council figure accused of repeatedly disregarding the Wali’s directives. The killing was reportedly preceded by the execution of three other prominent fighters, deepening concerns within the group over loyalty, command discipline and the growing concentration of power around Baa Shuwa amid continued military pressure in the region.
Nigeria Would Have Been Different Had Yar’Adua Lived — Pat Utomi
Professor Pat Utomi says Nigeria would have taken a different political and economic direction had former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua survived his illness and completed his tenure. Speaking on Csuite Cafe, Utomi described Yar’Adua, who died on May 5, 2010 after about three years in office, as a genuinely patriotic leader. He recalled being invited to the Presidential Villa by Yar’Adua to join his cabinet as a minister but declined, believing he could contribute more by offering independent advice from outside government.
Atiku Tells FBI To Release Tinubu-Linked Records
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the FBI to release records concerning President Tinubu that can legally be made public. The ADC presidential candidate was reacting to the FBI’s request to a Washington DC court for permission to withhold certain details, citing risks to individuals and protected investigative interests. In a statement by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued the agency could protect sensitive details like agents’ identities while still releasing other records permitted by law.
Tope Osoba’s Lover Arrested Over Actress’s Death
The lover of late Nollywood actress Temitope “Tope” Osoba has reportedly been arrested following allegations surrounding her death. The man, identified as Prophet Itunu, was said to have been taken into custody on Tuesday, August 18, amid public pressure for investigation. Tope died on August 4, two years after surviving breast cancer. Friends accused Itunu and his family of contributing to her death, alleging she was manipulated into living with him without formal marriage, cut off from her family, bullied and stripped of money and property. Some associates shared chats and voice notes to support the claims.
Maresca Reveals Man City’s Plan To Replace Rodri
Manchester City is already feeling the absence of Rodri, who left the club last week after seven seasons to join La Liga champions Barcelona in a deal worth around £65 million. The 30-year-old signed a four-year contract after becoming one of the world’s top midfielders at the Etihad. Rodri won four Premier League titles with City, scored the winner in the 2023 Champions League final, and claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or. New manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the gap left by his departure and said City will look to find a new Rodri as the season resumes.
FIFA Releases 2027 Women’s World Cup Playoff Fixtures
FIFA has released play-off fixtures for the 2027 Women’s World Cup following the weekend’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland. Africa’s Ghana and South Africa are among six teams in the play-off, alongside Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei. The draw, held at FIFA’s headquarters on August 20, 2026, produced three groups of two teams, with each side scheduled to play three matches to determine the final qualifiers for the tournament.